Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to temporarily leave office while authorities investigate the death of 26-year-old nurse Mary Habila.
The appeal comes as public interest continues to grow over the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death, with calls from different quarters for an independent and transparent investigation.
Atiku Demands Greater Transparency
In a statement shared on his X account on Thursday, Atiku expressed sympathy to Habila’s family and questioned the Federal Government’s approach to handling the case.
He described the death of the young nurse, who hailed from Nok in Southern Kaduna, as deeply troubling and said her family deserved clear answers.
According to him, losing a loved one is painful enough, but having to struggle for information about how that person died only adds to the family’s suffering.
Call for Independent Investigation
While emphasizing that he was not accusing anyone of wrongdoing, Atiku insisted that only a fair, impartial, and transparent investigation could establish the facts surrounding the incident.
He stressed that no conclusions should be drawn until investigators complete their work, but argued that public confidence in the process would only be achieved if the investigation remained free from any appearance of political influence.
According to the former presidential candidate, cases involving senior government officials require even greater transparency because the public expects accountability from those in positions of authority.
Request for Umahi to Step Aside
Atiku maintained that asking the Minister of Works to temporarily step aside should not be viewed as a declaration of guilt.
Instead, he described it as a standard democratic practice designed to protect the integrity of investigations involving top public officials.
He argued that such a move would reassure Nigerians that the investigation is being conducted without interference and that justice would be pursued regardless of anyone’s status.
Appeal to the Police Leadership
The former vice president also directed his attention to the Inspector-General of Police, calling for the investigation to be transferred from the Ebonyi State Police Command to the Force Headquarters.
He recommended that independent forensic specialists be involved to strengthen the credibility of the inquiry and eliminate doubts about the investigative process.
In addition, Atiku requested that a comprehensive autopsy be carried out by qualified experts and that the results be made available to the public once completed.
Protection for the Family
Beyond the investigation itself, Atiku urged authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of Mary Habila’s relatives throughout the process.
He said the family should be shielded from any form of intimidation, pressure, or attempts to influence their position, while also being granted unrestricted access to information concerning the investigation.
According to him, a nation’s commitment to justice is measured by how fairly it handles cases involving influential individuals and ordinary citizens alike.
Public Attention Surrounding the Case
Mary Habila, who worked as a nurse at the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, died on June 27 in accommodation connected to the Minister of Works in Ebonyi State.
The incident has generated widespread public discussion, with several civil society groups and concerned Nigerians demanding an independent inquiry into the circumstances of her death.
Police investigations remain ongoing, and authorities have not yet released any official findings regarding the cause of death.
Umahi Supports Forensic Examination
David Umahi has previously expressed support for conducting a forensic autopsy to determine the exact cause of Habila’s death.
His legal representatives formally requested the Ebonyi State Police Command to ensure that a thorough post-mortem examination is completed before the body is released for burial.
The lawyers also rejected claims that the incident occurred inside the minister’s personal residence, explaining instead that Habila was staying in accommodation designated for staff members and associates.
According to the legal team, they also support a transparent investigation capable of establishing the true circumstances surrounding her death.
Family Opposes Autopsy
Despite the calls for forensic examination, Habila’s family has taken a different position.
Her father, Tanko Habila, filed an affidavit before the High Court of Justice in Ebonyi State on July 13, requesting that police investigations into the matter be withdrawn.
He also opposed carrying out an autopsy on his daughter’s body, stating that the family did not believe there was any foul play involved in her death and wished to proceed with her burial.
Investigation Still Ongoing
With differing positions emerging from political leaders, the minister’s legal team, and Habila’s family, the case continues to attract national attention.
For now, investigators are still examining the circumstances surrounding the young nurse’s death, and officials have yet to announce any confirmed cause of death or final conclusions.
